From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and million-dollar deals – 2025 was a wild year in golf equipment.
The 2025 season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but the gear used by the pros also stole the spotlight. From controversial rule tests to bold innovations and surprising success stories, here are the equipment highlights that had everyone talking.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with unexpected equipment drama. His driver failed a USGA conformity test due to an overly flexible face – not from cheating, but natural wear after thousands of swings. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even the best gear can evolve beyond legal limits over time.
TaylorMade Qi4D: Tour-Tested Before Launch
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its unreleased Qi4D driver series. Spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs, the new models – including a low-spin LS and a Core version with four weights – were seen in the bags of top players like Fleetwood and McIlroy. The early use underscored how deeply tour pros are involved in product development and how quickly prototypes can hit the course.
Short and Sweet: The 58cm Putter
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Standing 6’4\” tall, he cut down a Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm after a fun round with a child’s club surprisingly improved his putting. The deep stance helped him read greens better, and the short shaft gave him more control. A quirky but effective solution that proved less can be more.
Spaun’s Putt Sparks $200M Deal
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s birdie on the 18th